The men allegedly tied the two employees up in the back of the store. One of the employees was beaten in the head, in an attempt to get the victim to tell the combination to the safe, said SDPD Lt. Andra Brown.

The other suspect led the female employee to another part of the store, where he sexually assaulted her, Brown said.

The suspects fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and the male employee's wallet and cell phone. Minutes later, police say the suspects confronted a 17-year-old boy at gunpoint demanding his Saturn.

Police officers responding to the robbery at the Auto Zone were notified about the carjacking. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the suspects took off sparking a pursuit, Brown said.

After a short chase, the car's tires were punctured by a spike strip. One suspect was taken immediately into custody. The other suspect fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by a San Diego Police K-9.

Avena and Perez were arrested and booked into jail on multiple charges, including commercial robbery, carjacking, sexual assault and carrying loaded firearms.